For Kaitlyn Morgan, the decision to run 178 miles wasn’t a difficult one.
Such an undertaking requires constant motivation, and Morgan will have all she needs alongside her when she takes on a brutal leg of the 2014 MS Run the US Relay. Her father, Bill Morgan, who was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis four years ago, will accompany her on the trip to Utah in May.
It’s her way of carrying his torch. Bill Morgan, once an avid cyclist who would disappear for hours on end exploring local trail systems, now has trouble moving his leg. Finding a cure has become a “family mission,” Kaitlyn Morgan says.
The brave few who apply to take on part of the coast-to coast run encounter nasty weather, undulating terrain and persistent soreness. Some people do 130 miles, others run for more than 200. Morgan’s route runs parallel to a state park and she is training intensely for the elevation changes.
Without any history of formal distance running competition, Morgan began running in college as a means to break away from music classes at Colorado State University. Last year, the 24-year-old attempted her first half-marathon. She was trying to qualify for the Boston Marathon when she suffered a knee injury, sidelining her for weeks.
It was during that hiatus when Morgan saw a “recommended” ad on Facebook for the MS Run the US Relay. She followed the page without any intentions; she had never contemplated running such a long distance. But something stirred inside her.
“The more I watched videos (of the race) sitting at home with my knee propped up, I thought `I can do this. For that kind of a cause, I can do this,’” she said.
Morgan, who moved from Elizabeth to Parker two years ago, says she is anxious but ready for her 178-mile trek, which spans seven days.
Her eyes well up when she talks about her dad’s frustrating condition and her inability to help the person she regards as her hero. She knows her contribution comes taking on such a monumental challenge, as well as the coinciding fund-raising.
“He tries so hard to make that leg move and he can’t. And to have somebody running for him, it means a lot,” she said. “He’s never had anyone do something like this for him.”
Bill Morgan, 56, says he couldn’t be more proud of his daughter and understands that it’s “the one thing she can personally do” to fight for the cause. He will see her off each morning of the relay, occasionally tagging along at certain points. Her mother, Sue, will run the first few miles with her every day as well.
“I certainly appreciate (Kaitlyn) fighting for the cause,” he said. “Anything that can help find a cure for this is absolutely something that we need to do.”
Kaitlyn Morgan’s relay leg begins May 10 in Nephi, Utah. She will run at a controlled pace — “like a snail through Nutella,” she says — until reaching Bernal, Utah. She is allowed only one day for rest. Having participated in endurance sports, Bill Morgan says mental fortitude is the most important factor in overcoming the test. With her dad there cheering her on, Kaitlyn Morgan expects her motivation will endure.
“Even though he can no longer do it, he’s still going to be there with me every day on the route, and at the finish, waiting for me,” she said.
To donate to the relay on Kaitlyn Morgan’s behalf, go to www.msruntheus.com/donate.